Poker is a card game in which players use the cards they are dealt to make a five-card hand that bests the other players’ hands. The goal is to win the pot, which is the total amount of money bet in a single round of betting. In addition to luck, poker success depends on bluffing and reading other players’ behavior.

The game begins with each player placing a forced bet, known as the small blind or big blind, into the pot. The dealer then shuffles the cards and deals them out to the players, one at a time, beginning with the player to their left. Depending on the poker variant being played, cards may be dealt face up or down.

Once the initial betting round is complete, the dealer puts three additional cards on the table that anyone can use, called the flop. Then each remaining player can bet, raise or fold.

If the player in front of you makes a bet and you want to match it, you say “call” or “I call.” If you think that your opponent has a strong showdown hand, you can even raise the bet, which forces weaker hands out of the pot and adds value to your own.

Remember, poker is a mentally intense game and you perform best when you are happy and healthy. If you ever feel a build-up of frustration or fatigue, it’s a good idea to quit the hand right away. You’ll likely save yourself a lot of money in the long run.